2019 Craft Breweries & Craft Distilleries: Machinery and Automation Trends, published by PMMI – The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, examines evolving production, packaging, and automation choices across U.S. craft beverage SMEs, drawing on industry data and operator interviews from 2010–2018 for comparative context. Focus areas include constrained floorplans with modular, mobile equipment; phased automation and hybrid labor strategies; rapid small-batch changeover and SKU management; and outsourcing, distribution and packaging shifts tied to sustainability. The analysis indicates firms tend to adopt compact solutions such as mobile filling and labeling lines, leverage contractors for peak demand, and charts highlight emerging patterns in investment priorities. Download the full report to see where engineering teams are prioritizing investments to strengthen operational resilience.
Published by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies in January 2019. Based on 2018-2019 SME brewer and distiller surveys, industry interviews, and secondary analysis of trade and association data.
